The Voters Awareness Initiative (VAI), an INEC-accredited civil society observer organisation, has commended the peaceful, free and credible conduct of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The organisation described the election as a reaffirmation of Nigerians’ confidence in democracy, noting that the large turnout of voters demonstrated their belief that their votes would count.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Nelson Ekujumi, VAI particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his statesmanship and commitment to democratic principles, as well as his admonition to all stakeholders to play by the rules.
The group also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what it described as an excellent conduct of the election, saying the outcome reflected the will of the people as expressed at the polls.
According to VAI, INEC personnel and election materials arrived at about 97 per cent of polling stations across the state between 7:00am and 7:30am, allowing accreditation and voting to commence simultaneously.
The organisation said its observers also recorded a high level of functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), with an estimated success rate of over 95 per cent.
It added that electoral officials demonstrated a good understanding of their responsibilities, while isolated cases of BVAS malfunction were promptly addressed through replacement of faulty machines.
VAI commended Osun voters for turning out in large numbers to cast their ballots in an atmosphere it described as free from fear, harassment and intimidation.
The organisation said the turnout was evidence of renewed confidence in the electoral process and the belief that votes would count, adding that the final outcome announced by INEC reinforced that confidence.
The security agencies also received commendation for their professionalism, impartiality and patriotism during the election.
VAI noted that the deployment of unarmed security personnel at polling units, motorised patrols and strategic roadblocks helped to prevent illegal movements and deter potential troublemakers.
Political party agents at polling units were equally praised for their orderly and civil conduct, which the group said contributed to the peaceful nature of the exercise.
The organisation also commended local and international observers and the media for what it described as professional, unbiased and diligent coverage and monitoring of the election.
VAI concluded that the peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible conduct of the Osun governorship election had once again demonstrated the depth of Nigeria’s democracy and reaffirmed citizens’ confidence in sustaining the democratic process.
“God bless Osun State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the organisation said.